BANKE: The Shanti Rehabilitation Home, an organization actively working against human trafficking and smuggling, has rescued 399 women and children over the past year.

According to District Programme Coordinator Samjhana Chadara, most rescues took place at various checkpoints in Banke district, while six individuals were rescued from India. Almost all of them were reunited with their families while one was referred to another organization for further rehabilitation.

In the same period, the organization filed human trafficking cases against eight people and provided counseling to 9,394 people, said Regional Coordinator Sanjit Singh.

Founder President Shanta Sapkota stressed the need for collective action against human trafficking. She acknowledged that the organization’s efforts cover only a limited area and emphasized that the government must take responsibility to effectively fight human trafficking.

The organization has also set up information and counseling centers at five locations across Banke to raise awareness and provide support, it is said.